[ale] MythTV/similar hardware recommendations

[Alex Carver]

Schedule data is only really available from DirecTV and they do mess it
up fairly often.  Sometimes shows start a few minutes early or late,
other times it's the wrong title so you have no idea what happened until
the opening credits roll.  It also doesn't matter what network, the
network schedule and DirecTV's schedule very frequently do not match at
all (because DirecTV repeats shows on some networks for east coast and
west coast).  So I'd have to rely on DirecTV's scheduling, couldn't use
anything else.

Some shows are not available by streaming so using something like Kodi
doesn't matter in that case, it's just not going to be available unless
I record it. I should say I'm specifically talking about cable/satellite
networks. I haven't watched much broadcast network TV in the last
several years so it doesn't matter if CBS/NBC/ABC stream their shows, I
haven't been watching them at all unless it's a major news event.

Since some of the programs are not available elsewhere, this really
isn't a low return project.  Part of the cost savings comes from not
renting a DVR from DirecTV (about $40/month).  My receiver is free (not
the programming but the box itself) but a DVR box is not free.  I also
can't access the recordings elsewhere for my own purposes (screen grabs,
clip saving, medium shifting) so having one that I control is much
better.  Additionally, I don't have to think about other things going on
if there's a conflict.  I can set it to record and watch later.  It's a
convenience that I can actually apply a value.  But not enough value
that I want to pay $40/month indefinitely.

On 2016-03-31 11:46, DJ-Pfulio wrote:
> Schedule data isn't THAT bad anymore.  The only time I don't get a desired show
> recorded is when some sporting event goes long or some natural disaster pre-emps
> the programming.
> 
> For example, this week WSB has been running a red banner across the bottom of
> their shows complaining that DirectTV isn't gonna pay them.  I don't give a crap
> about direct TV's issue.  Weather stuff gets in the way sometimes too - then it
> is just easier to grab the program from the network's streaming website - for
> free later.
> 
> But we don't have any paid channels for CATV or AT*T or satellite, so nothing is
> missed.  Some paid networks put up the shows and don't require a signin either,
> so their shows are available.
> 
> Some of the networks have made this a little harder (CBS), but most make it
> really easy - actually nicer than watching TV, IMHO.  Kodi has plugins to get
> the stream and there aren't any commercials this way either. So I can put up
> with the crap in broadcast TV, the station bugs, the commercials, the weather
> banners, the pay-us-more banners, or I can
> * get the show via streaming
> * no commercials
> * no sports interruptions/delays
> * no weather bugs
> * no station pay-us-more demands
> * shows are generally available for a month, so if you watch for at a time,
> * in hidef
> and we have to wait 1 week for that to be available? That's the only downside.
> Well, being able to discuss shows at the coffee machine the following day is out
> too.  I suppose it comes with some data use, but there isn't any metering of
> that on the plan, so it doesn't matter. May matter to some people.
> 
> Oh ... and with a VPN exit node "somewhere else", then ...  let's just say,
> other options become available.  Just sayin'.
> 
> When my HDHRs become obsolete in a few years, not sure they will be replaced.
> 
> For someone who only watches 2-3 hrs of TV a week, this seems like a bunch of
> effort for little payback. Certainly there are cheaper, easier, ways to get the
> shows than having satellite.  WAF issues?